This is a place for any extant garments in private collections from about 1941 back. There is no beginning date. The only rule is that it can't be currently in a museum and must be before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I mostly post items I've seen on ebay, etsy, or other auction sites so we will continue to have a record of them for research purposes. If you have antique clothing in your collection, please, email me pictures of them and I will gladly add them to this site.

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Monday, March 31, 2014

Simple but Sweet 1840's Summer Dress

A charming 1840’s light yellow printed cotton dress. The dress is all hand stitched. The fabric has a tan swirl pattern. The front of the bodice has a padded bust line and center piping. The shoulders, neckline armscyes and waist are all piped. The bodice is lined with linen and has a back hook and eye closure. The skirt is attached to the waist with tight cartridge pleating. The skirt is unlined except for a band of cotton at the edge of the hemline. The dress is in very good condition. The dress has not been cleaned. There is some scattered age spotting mostly to the edge of the hemline. (See photos.) There are a few pencil tip size holes in the skirt and one period mend on the edge of the hemline. There is one small period mend under one arm. A delightful display dress. Bust 31 Waist 23 Skirt length 38.

From Me:

Despite it being really simple, I sort of like it. I'd add a sash around the waist for a pop of color.